Louise left her small room and went to the kitchen, where Galya was already spreading jam from marsh berries, which tasted very peculiar, on tortillas. Louise had long since gotten used to the unusual food – the old woman often made porridge from lingonberries and bits of earth, soup from wheat and mango, and stew from tree bark with a dash of hot pepper. The girl did not complain, for she had never tasted any other food. She had never heard of hamburgers with coke and fries being sold anywhere.
The girl went to the table and sat down on her stool. There were three in all in the kitchen. Louise often wondered who the third chair was for. "We are waiting for a stranger," Galina usually answered her pupil.
– Good morning, good soul," the old woman greeted Louise.
– Good morning, and good day to you," she replied.
– Louise! How many times have I told you! …
– What is up? " the girl didn't understand. She moved a jar of blueberry jam towards her.
– I asked you not to call me "you"! I'm your kin, I'm bringing you up. Am I not a grandmother to you, little girl? " sadly asked Galya, lowered her eyes into the plate and brushed away a tiny tear.
– No, not at all!" Louise immediately objected. She didn't want to offend her mother-nanny at all.
– When am I going to see mommy and daddy? " She asked.
– When you are eighteen, my dear, you know that. Until then, you live here.
– Well, six years is a long time. It's like an eternity.
– It's been decided for you. And let's not talk about it, " asked Galya.
– All right, Mother.
– That's it! That's another matter, " she rejoiced.
– I want to be a Butterfly.
– Everything will happen. Learn patience, child.
When you have breakfast, go to the Glade, the weather is so nice today! It'll do you good to be alone with nature.
– But it's so boring! I'd like to be friends with someone. Or fall in love.
– Louise! You're too young! And you know very well that boys can never become Butterflies.
– Fine," the girl replied simply and continued with her morning meal.
"What about my daddy? Didn't she marry my mom who was a Butterfly? Why are they allowed to be together but I'm not? It's not fair at all that I live apart from them!" out of frustration, Louise almost pushed a hole in the wooden floor with her foot.
– What's the matter with you? " Galya asked, looking at the girl's face.